Council forum draws dozen

STOCKTON - Council hopefuls vying for an appointment to represent District 5 at City Hall had a chance to strut their stuff Monday night in a candidates forum.

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By Scott Smith

recordnet.com

By Scott Smith

Posted Jan. 8, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By Scott Smith

Posted Jan. 8, 2013 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

STOCKTON - Council hopefuls vying for an appointment to represent District 5 at City Hall had a chance to strut their stuff Monday night in a candidates forum.

Christina Fugzai, a member of the city's Planning Commission, used humor and drew on her experience as a high school teacher. She cited good examples from cities as disparate as Turlock and Detroit as actions Stockton should adopt.

Duane Isetti, who served a term on the City Council in the late 1990s and wants one more, said the city is missing a golden opportunity to revitalize the downtown by waiting to build homes on the downtown waterfront.

Michael Marino has only lived in Stockton for two years, but the businessman said he's found something he loves - 200 days a year, the sun is shining.

"I think that's a real plus," he said, also suggesting a long list of ideas that his years in business could benefit Stockton.

In all, a dozen candidates in turn answered questions and offered their vision for Stockton.

The League of Women Voters of San Joaquin organized the event, moderated by Bob Benedetti, chairman of University of the Pacific's Political Science Department.

More than 100 residents filled a lecture hall at Pacific, but Susan Loyko, a league member, told the gathering that the event was really organized for the council members who will ultimately be voting for the appointee to join their ranks.

The current and soon-to-be seated City Council members in attendance were Paul Canepa, Elbert Holman, Kathy Miller, Moses Zapien and Michael Tubbs. Mayor-elect Anthony Silva was absent.

The official selection process will begin Wednesday night. The pool of candidates is diverse in age, race and gender. The themes of the questions and answers were the city's high crime rate, bankruptcy and chronically ailing downtown.

Gary Malloy, a retired regional director of retail stores, said he's best fitted for the appointment, because in the past five years, he's attended 95 percent of the City Council meetings, which would make him a quick study.

"I understand where the city's been and done," he said. "I don't think I would have a long learning curve."

Richard Brewer, a teacher and writer, said he believes a key to turning around Stockton is education. He would like to see the city join forces with school superintendents and college heads.

"We need to develop and devise a plan that will lead our students to a place where they can be ready and prepared for the 21st century," he said. "Business will see that there's a labor force here in Stockton ready to go."

The seated City Council members will begin their own interviewing process Wednesday at a 5:30 p.m. meeting at City Hall, 425 N. El Dorado St. Stockton. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 97.